Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas

$3,230Tuition

595Students

52%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$29,552Earnings

#14 in ArkansasPublic2-yearData: 2023-24

About Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas

Phillips Community College serves the Arkansas Delta with practical career training and university transfer pathways. The college enrolls 595 students in a small town setting where professors know their students personally. With an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, you'll get individual attention that's harder to find at larger institutions. The school focuses on workforce development for the Delta region, offering programs that connect directly to local employment opportunities.

Students pay an average of $5,420 after financial aid, making this one of Arkansas's most affordable college options. Nearly 36% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's mission to serve working-class families. Graduates earn a median of $29,552 ten years after leaving, which provides a solid return given the low cost of attendance. The 32% loan repayment rate suggests some students struggle with debt, but many complete programs without borrowing at all since federal loan usage is minimal.

Women make up 70% of the student body, and 55% of students are Black, reflecting the demographics of the Mississippi Delta region. The 90% employment rate shows strong job placement, though the 52% six-year graduation rate indicates that completing programs requires persistence. Nearly all students come from Arkansas, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere.

Academics & Faculty

Phillips Community College focuses on career training and college transfer preparation for students in Arkansas's rural Delta region. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio provides close mentoring in a small-town environment where professors know students personally. About 52% of students complete their programs within six years, which reflects both the hands-on support available and the economic challenges many face in this agricultural area. The college emphasizes practical workforce development through programs in healthcare, business, and industrial technology. Nearly 70% of students are women, many pursuing nursing and allied health certifications that address regional healthcare shortages. Transfer pathways help students continue to four-year universities within the University of Arkansas system.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Full-Time Faculty: 63.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 51.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $29,552

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$59,846
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$22,094

View all 43 programs →

Campus Life

Nearly 70% of students are women at Phillips Community College, creating a campus atmosphere focused on practical career training in the Arkansas Delta. The small town of Helena sits about 90 miles southwest of Memphis, offering a quiet setting where students can concentrate on their studies. With just 595 students enrolled, you'll recognize faces across campus and develop close relationships with classmates in your program.

The humid subtropical climate means hot, sticky summers and mild winters where a light jacket suffices. Most students commute from the surrounding Delta region, with 99% coming from in-state. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know your name and academic progress personally. Campus life revolves around academics and career preparation rather than traditional college social activities. Students often gather in study groups or work part-time jobs in the area. The 90% employment rate reflects the college's strong connections to local industries and healthcare facilities. Weekend activities typically involve family time or work, as many students balance education with existing responsibilities in their communities.

Setting: Town-Remote
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 32°–49°F
July Avg: 72°–90°F
Annual Precipitation: 49.7"
Annual Snowfall: 0.3"

Student Demographics

Nearly 70% of students are women, reflecting the college's strong programs in nursing, education, and health sciences that traditionally attract more female students. The student body is majority Black, serving the diverse Arkansas Delta community where the college sits. With 99% of students from Arkansas, Phillips builds deep roots in the region rather than drawing nationally. Over one-third receive Pell Grants, showing the college's commitment to serving working-class families in this rural area. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention for students juggling work, family, and education in this close-knit Delta community.

Men: 30.1%
Women: 69.9%
White: 40.2%
Black: 55.0%
Hispanic: 2.7%
Asian: 0.2%
In-State Students: 99.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 35.9%

Location

Phillips Community College sits in Helena, Arkansas, a small Delta town about 130 miles east of Little Rock. The campus serves 595 students in the heart of the Arkansas Delta, a predominantly rural agricultural region known for cotton farming and Mississippi River history. Nearly all students come from in-state, with 99.30% being Arkansas residents. The Delta's flat farmland and small communities create a tight-knit environment where everyone knows each other. Helena itself has deep roots in blues music and Civil War history along the Mississippi River. The remote town setting means limited nightlife but strong community connections. Students considering colleges in Arkansas may also compare Phillips Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Helena, Arkansas 72342-0785

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $29,552
Median Earnings (5 years): $32,983
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $21,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 32.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student body composition at Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas?

The student body of 595 is predominantly female at 69.92%, reflecting the college's strong nursing and health programs. About 55% of students are Black and 40% are White, serving the diverse Arkansas Delta region. Nearly all students (99.3%) come from in-state.

How much does Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $5,420 per year, making it highly affordable for Delta region families. Students from the lowest income bracket pay around $5,078 after aid. Only 16.97% receive institutional grants, but those who do get an average of $7,530.

What kind of academic support does Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas provide?

The college maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in career training and transfer programs. This small-class environment supports students in technical fields and college prep courses. The semester calendar system allows for structured academic progression.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas?

Graduates achieve a 90.3% employment rate, reflecting strong demand for skilled workers in the Arkansas Delta. The median earnings after 10 years reach $29,552, which is competitive for two-year program graduates. About 52% of students complete their programs within six years.

Where is Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas and what is the campus environment like?

The college sits in Helena, Arkansas, a remote town setting that serves the rural Delta region. The small enrollment of 595 creates a tight-knit community atmosphere. Students experience a close connection to faculty and peers in this intimate college environment.

Does Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas offer good value for students seeking workforce training?

With in-state tuition at just $3,230 and strong employment outcomes, the college delivers excellent workforce preparation value. The 32.14% loan repayment rate indicates manageable debt levels for graduates. Students can access both career-focused training and university transfer pathways without breaking the bank.